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The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication system designed for children with communication difficulties that uses picture cards as visual communication tools.

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In PECS, an individual learns to exchange a picture card for a desired item or action, which is shown on the card. The goal is to improve both communication and social interactions by providing them with a structured and visual way to express themselves and their needs. PECS is often used as part of a broader plan to support communication and language development.

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Teachers need to asses the student's current communication abilities and needs

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Receive training in how to create and run PECS, whether this be through a workshop or other resource

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Create a communication book or binder that has a variety of picture cards, representing different items and needs relevant to the student

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Start with simple requests that are highly motivating for the student. Introduce the basic concept of trading a picture card for the item or activity

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Gradually expand the range of communication, moving from basic requests to more advanced things such as questions or comments

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Encourage the student to use PECS in different environments and with different people to promote the generalization of their skills

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For students who may be overwhelmed with choices or struggle with organization, color coding things may be helpful. For example, picture cards with food will be in an orange section, toys will be in blue, and people will be in green. This will help students find cards more easily as they can often remember what color section a card goes in.

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Most PACS are folders or binders with velcro strips that the picture cards are placed onto so that students can easily remove and replace them. However for some with physical disabilities, their fine motor skills may be impaired which would make this difficult. To resolve this, a tablet with pictures can be used. Similar to an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device which does the talking for users, this modification would simply use pictures that a student could tap and show instead of physically removing and trading a picture card.

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1. Communication skills: PECS is designed to teach individuals with communication difficulties how to initiate and engage in communicative interactions with others. It focuses primarily on expressing needs, making requests, and actively participating in social interactions.

2. Language development: By introducing users to the concept of symbol-based communication, PECS takes away barriers to creating a foundation for language development.

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PECS is particularly effective for and used by individuals with autism, speech and language disorders, and other developmental disabilities. While there is no specific age range, most PECS users are young children, often preschool or early elementary.

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This video provides an overview of the different stages of PECS and includes a demonstration of each step. It was very helpful in my research because of how informative yet concise it is, so I wanted to share it!

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PECS | An Introduction to the Picture Exchange Communication System | The Avenue